DWAW vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDWAWVYMWinner
Expense Ratio1.23%0.04%
AUM$91M$79.0B
Dividend Yield0.66%2.86%
Holdings7568
YTD Return+15.49%+16.53%
1Y Return+21.46%+25.03%
3Y Return (annualized)+18.83%+18.54%
5Y Return (annualized)+7.99%+12.25%
Volatility (annualized)18.8%14.6%
Max Drawdown-31.6%-58.8%
Fund FamilyAdvisor SharesVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionDec 26, 2019Nov 10, 2006

DWAW vs VYM Performance

Advisorshares Dorsey Wright Fsm All Cap World Etf (DWAW) is a ETF from Advisor Shares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DWAW returned +21.46% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, DWAW is up 15.49% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.

Over three years, DWAW compounded at +18.83% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.99% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, DWAW has the edge at +12.17% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

DWAW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.8% compared with 14.6% for VYM. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -31.6% for DWAW and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DWAW charges 1.23% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $123 vs $4 annually, a gap of $119 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DWAW currently yields 0.66% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

DWAW and VYM share 0 holdings out of 564 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DWAW or VYM?

DWAW has an expense ratio of 1.23% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $119 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DWAW or VYM?

Over the past year DWAW returned +21.46% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), DWAW annualized +12.17% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DWAW or VYM?

DWAW has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: DWAW -31.6% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both DWAW and VYM?

DWAW and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between DWAW and VYM?

DWAW and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 564 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DWAW or VYM?

DWAW yields 0.66% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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